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BOSTON (CBS) – This year, the Boston Pops fireworks show is getting a new host: Hollywood star Michael Chiklis.

It’s a dream come true for the local native.

Chiklis has Boston’s July 4th celebration in his blood. Born in Lowell and raised in Andover, he first sat on the Esplanade when Arthur Fiedler held the baton. He has made regular trips from Los Angeles with his own family since.

So, when his agent called a few months ago about the opportunity to host the show, Chiklis emphatically said yes.

WBZ-TV’s Peg Rusconi reports.

“He goes, ‘Way to play hard to get Michael, you haven’t even heard the offer yet.’ And I said ‘I don’t care. You don’t understand, this is family. This is home. I have to do that,'” said Chiklis.

Chiklis has starred on Broadway, the silver screen, and television, most famously as corrupt cop Vic Mackey on The Shield.

“We’re standing here where i’m going to be and this is the first time I’ve ever stepped on this stage. Let me take it in for a moment,” said Chiklis. “You know, I’m going to do something incredibly corny. I’m going to take a picture of this and tweet it.”

On stage with the Boston Pops, Chiklis will not only host, he’ll sing.

“Well, (my singing is) kind of the best kept secret in Hollywood. It’s that pesky acting career that sort of precluded me from pursuing music but I was always a musician growing up,” said Chiklis.

The song Chiklis will sing is called “‘Til I Come Home.” It’s dedicated to our troops and their families, and he actually wrote it with his best friend from Andover High School.

You can watch the celebration on WBZ-TV beginning at 8 p.m., or listen to the festivities on WBZ NewsRadio 1030, beginning at 7 p.m.